Revision as of 16:51, 10 July 2012

Contents

History

While Thorin and Company and Bilbo Baggins were keeping watch on Erebor, an old thrush summoned Roäc. Being able to speak Westron, the raven delivered the news that Smaug had been killed. Roäc agreed to bring a message to Dáin II Ironfoot from Thorin, a call for help in guarding the treasures of Erebor in the wake of war.[1] However, Roäc also gave a piece of advice to Thorin, warning him that "the treasure is likely to be your death".[2]

Roäc was the son of Carc, and as such "a descendant of those [ravens] that had remained on the hill even after Smaug had driven out their old allies, the Dwarves".[3] When he met Thorin and Company in Third Age 2941, Roäc was marked by age, being one hundred and fifty-three years old.[1] He was thus apparently born in Third Age 2788.

Etymology

Inspiration

In Celtic mythology, ravens are often associated with warfare and the battleground (especially in Irish mythology). In Welsh mythology, ravens figure as the army of King Arthur's knight Owain.[5]See also: Ravens: Inspiration